Labels on medicines

Take your medicines as directed on
the instructions printed on the label or packaging. Taking
more than the recommended dose can cause serious problems e.g. too much paracetamol can cause liver
damage.

The label should tell you:

how much medicine to use (e.g. take one tablet or inhale two puffs)

how often it should be used (e.g. twice a day or every six hours or at night)

how long to use it for, if for short term treatment (e.g.
for five days)

how to use a medicine that is not swallowed (e.g. apply to
the skin)

The label may also give some special instructions to follow when taking the medicine
for example take with
food, or on an empty stomach, or avoid alcohol.

Other information may be included on the label. For example, eye drops will indicate an expiry date
after which the medicine should be discarded. Some medicines may be labelled
swallowed whole
which means they should not be chewed or crushed.

Read the label before you start the treatment. If you are unsure about what to do,
ask your pharmacist for clarification.

Always keep medicines in their original container and do not remove the label.
Do not share medicines.

Interactions

Some medicines can interact with other medicines so that they don’t work as well or cause unpleasant
or harmful effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you are taking so that
interactions can be avoided. Don’t forget to include all medicines that you use, whether they are
prescribed or purchased from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines can also interact with food. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which foods to
avoid while taking the medicine.

You should also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant, become pregnant while on
medication or are breastfeeding, so that a medicine is not prescribed that could harm the baby.

Safety packaging

If you find blister packs or child resistant closures difficult to manage, tell your pharmacist.
Medicines can be dispensed in ordinary bottles in these circumstances.

If you have young children, talk to your pharmacist about having all medicines dispensed in
containers with child resistant closures.

Storage

To prevent accidental poisonings, store all medicines out of reach and sight of children.

It is important that medicines are stored correctly so that they don’t degrade and lose their
effectiveness. Unless stated on the label, store medicines in a dry, cool place such as a high cupboard
in a room that isn’t steamy or excessively hot. Don’t store medicines on a windowsill, in
your car or in the bathroom.

Some medicines must be stored in a fridge - this will be stated on the label. Only keep medicines in
the fridge if you are told to. Don’t put them in the freezer. Ensure they are stored at the back of the
fridge, out of sight of children.

Disposal

Do not keep old medicines because you think you may need them in the future. Return unused medicines
you have been prescribed, or medicines past their expiry date, to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Do
not throw medicines in the rubbish or flush them down the toilet.